Kanamara Matsuri

The Kanamara Matsuri, also known as the Kanamara Festival, is a traditional Japanese event held annually in Kawasaki. Rooted in local folklore, it celebrates fertility, protection from sexually transmitted infections, and the importance of sexual health. The festival features a parade with large, colorful phallic-shaped decorations and portable shrines. Participants and visitors often enjoy various foods, sweets, and crafts associated with fertility themes. The event fosters awareness, openness, and dialogue about sexuality, while also serving as a lively cultural celebration that emphasizes health, reproduction, and community spirit.